A New Cosgrove Takes Charge

Jamie Cosgrove was sworn in as Branford’s first selectman this morning, and he conveyed the wishes of his legendary grandfather Dan Cosgrove — who turns 96 today.

“‘Go do some good,’” Jamie Cosgrove quoted his grandfather as saying.

The timing of Jamie Cosgrove’s swearing-in and Dan Cosgrove’s birthday turned out to be a special coincidence for a family whose political dynasty has shaped Branford’s history in many ways. (Dan Cosgrove, who is ill, was not present for the swearing in at the Blackstone Memorial Library. Click here for a previous interview with him about his history in the town.)

Jamie Cosgrove, 40, a Republican, described meeting with his grandfather a day or so after the election, in which Cosgrove won 59 percent of the vote for selectman to 36 percent for Demmocrat Andy Campbell.

He told the audience that before he paid his visit to his grandfather, his aunt, Susan Cosgrove Barnes, had told her father on election night that Jamie had won the first selectman’s position. He said while he and his grandfather were conversing, he ​“didn’t bring up the election. He asked about his wife, Nicole, and the kids. Then I said, ​‘You know Pop, I’m the first selectman now. ’”

“‘You won 2 – 1,’” he quoted Dan Cosgrove as saying.

“You’re close,” Jamie Cosgrove replied.

“You’re a Republican, huh,” said Dan Cosgove who led Branford and surrounding towns as a Democrat before he formed the Taxpayer Party.

“I said yep.”

“As I left he said: ​“Well then go do some good, do some good,” he recounted Tuesday morning.

“And that’s what I am going to do,” he told a standing room only audience. ​“Do some good…that’s really what it’s all about. So let’s leave here this morning united.”

Early Morning Sun

The doors to the Blackstone library opened at 7:30 a.m. A bright sun filled the room, so much so that it was proving difficult for public television cameras and still photographers to figure out how they would be able to capture the event.

William Aniskovich, a former Branford state senator organizing the swearing-in ceremony, quickly stepped in to solve the problem. Aniskovich told those in the room they needed to turn the chairs around to face the rear of the room. People pitched in, moved equipment and the podium, and soon the ceremony got underway from the back of the room where cameras and the audience could better view the event.

Aniskovich was the organizer and behind-the-scenes leader of the Cosgrove election campaign. He book-ended the morning ceremony, first by introducing Cosgrove and then by making closing remarks. (They’re pictured above.)

He introduced former First Selectwoman Cheryl Morris and her husband, former state Sen. Bruce Morris. (Neither outgoing First Selectman Anthony ​“Unk” DaRos, who left office yesterday, nor former Republican first selectman John Opie was present.) Aniskovich also noted that Democratic state Sen. Ed Meyer and state Reps Lonnie Reed and Pat Widlitz were on hand. (pictured)

In brief opening remarks he reminded the audience that ​“democracy is no easy task” but that 200 years later, ​“we are rightly proud of our political traditions. And this peaceful installation of a new administration is one of them.” Aniskovich also quoted Abraham Lincoln. He reminded the audience of his words: ” Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.

​“Today,” he went on, ” you will be given the power to make a difference. Your character will be put to the test. That is why you swear an oath. This morning, as we begin anew, we here pray that you will have the strength of character to put the people first and meet that test of which Lincoln spoke.” Then Aniksovich congratulated Cosgrove and three other town officials, wished them good luck, and said, ​“May God be with each one of you as you take up the work that lies ahead.”

Next Ava Cosgrove, Jamie Cosgrove’s 9‑year-old daughter, (pictured) gave a stirring rendition of ​“The Star Spangled Banner.” She won an enthusiastic round of applause. 

Probate Judge Frank J. Forgione took his place and swore in Joe Higgins, Jr., as a Republican selectman, Michael T. Nardella as town treasurer and Joanne P. Cleary as tax collector. Here is Forgione with Higgins.

Higgins, a well-known retired New York City fire dispatcher, who was on duty the day of 9/11, spends a few minutes the Branford members of the brotherhood. He stands between Police Chief Kevin Halloran and Fire Chief Jack Ahern.

Cosgrove was sworn in by Pat Andriole, who retired as head of the Branford Counseling Center in July and three weeks later became the honorary chair of the Jamie Cosgrove election campaign. Andriole, 81, came aboard in order to play a leadership role in his campaign, Cosgrove said back in July.

After he spoke about his grandfather Dan’s remarks to him, Cosgrove took his words and passed them on.
 

“It’s about doing some good for the town, and working with one another — the citizens of the town, the other elected officials of the town, employees of the town; to do some good for the town,” Cosgrove said. Many of the town’s department heads were in the audience. 

Aniskovich brought the room together for ​“America the Beautiful,” as Ava Cosgrove again took stage center. Despite the sun peering in her eyes, she did not blink a bit as she sang the tune with poise and grace.

The event was over in 15 minutes. Cosgrove left soon after for his first day at Town Hall, where yesterday DaRos met with the staff, thanked them for their professionalism and loyalty and said good-bye. He said he planned to wish Cosgrove good luck in the job.

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